Lance Armstrong dropped by Nike; where's my refund?

Lance Armstrong rides during the 2005 Tour de France. Nike, whose swoosh logo you can see on the jersey on his left arm, said Wednesday that it was cutting all ties with Armstrong.

Lance Armstrong rides during the 2005 Tour de France. Nike, whose swoosh logo you can see on the jersey on his left arm, said Wednesday that it was cutting all ties with Armstrong. (Pierre Andrieu / AFP/Getty Images)

Armstrong described the aftermath of his testicular cancer diagnosis in 1996, as corporate sponsors decided he was no longer worth bankrolling. Nike was one of the few sponsors to stand by Armstrong as he recuperated -- despite the possibility that he would never race again. He vowed to be loyal when he returned to competition -- and forged a deep, mutually beneficial partnership with Nike as he won seven Tour de France titles.

Armstrong, who also left the chairmanship of his foundation today, denies the allegations of doping. But all the movement makes me want to demand a refund -- of the time and money spent on Armstrong's book. And I can't imagine anyone wanting to read his memoir -- unless they're looking for hints about his personality.

I imagine the allegations will make folks feel a little less eager to sport the Livestrong brand, as well. What once was an inspiring symbol of beating the odds has become a symbol of a win-at-all-costs mentality. Unless Armstrong can disprove the doping allegations, which were detailed by many former teammates, I bet you'll be seeing a lot fewer yellow wristbands around town.